OSHA
U.S. regulation assuring safe workplace conditions
BRC
Global standard for food safety management in manufacturing.
Quick Verdict
OSHA mandates workplace safety for US employers via enforced standards and inspections, while BRC is a voluntary certification for food manufacturers ensuring HACCP-based safety. Companies adopt OSHA for legal compliance; BRC for global retailer access.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- Enforces safety standards via 29 CFR 1910
- General Duty Clause covers recognized hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering solutions
- Mandatory injury recordkeeping and electronic reporting
- Risk-based inspections with civil penalties
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Senior management commitment and food safety culture plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan with fundamentals
- Site standards and high-risk zoning requirements
- Annual third-party audits with grading system
- Environmental monitoring and food defence controls
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
OSHA Details
What It Is
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a U.S. federal agency under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It is a regulatory framework enforcing workplace safety and health standards, primarily in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry. Its purpose is to assure safe conditions by reducing hazards through standards enforcement and the General Duty Clause. Approach is performance-based with hierarchy of controls.
Key Components
- Subparts covering walking surfaces, PPE, hazardous materials, toxic substances.
- General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) for uncodified hazards.
- Recordkeeping (Forms 300/300A/301), electronic ITA submissions.
- Enforcement via inspections, citations, penalties up to $165,514. No formal certification; compliance via self-implementation and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal mandate for U.S. employers; avoids penalties, reduces injuries/costs. Manages risks like falls, chemicals; enhances productivity, insurance rates. Builds worker trust, meets state plans, supports ESG.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP, HazCom), training, engineering controls. Applies to most private employers; varies by industry/size. Ongoing inspections, no certification but VPP voluntary recognition. (178 words)
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a third-party certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured, auditable management system based on Codex HACCP principles and robust prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management, internal audits) critical for certification.
- GFSI-benchmarked with grading (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls via risk controls (allergens, pathogens, labelling).
- Builds trust, evidences due diligence, supports FSMA compliance.
- Drives continuous improvement and operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits.
- Applies to manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires certification body audits (announced/unannounced).
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping | Food safety, HACCP, site/product controls |
| Industry | All US industries, general/construction/agriculture | Food manufacturing, packaging, global supply chains |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulation, enforced inspections | Voluntary GFSI certification standard, third-party audits |
| Testing | OSHA inspections, injury recordkeeping, electronic submission | Annual certification audits, internal audits, unannounced options |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165k, criminal for willful violations | Certification loss, grade reduction, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and BRC
OSHA FAQ
BRC FAQ
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